During his press conference after his cruel defeat against Van de Zandschulp, Rafael Nadal did not want to make excuses.
« What is internal remains internal, that’s what counts (smile). But of course, the decision was not easy for the captain to make. In the end, I really believe that David (Ferrer) sent the player on the court who he thought had the best chance of winning. It's the truth, right? From the beginning, I've been making him feel like he doesn't need to feel like he has to put pressure on me to fall in line. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I would play. There were, yes, a lot of conversations during the week. I wasn't sure, because I knew something like what happened today could happen. David was convinced that I was the one to play. Of course it was a risk. But that’s the captain’s job, right? Ultimately, it is up to him to make the necessary decisions. David, I'm sure, took it thinking about what was best for the team, not me. I even gave him more chances to put Roberto Bautista Agut on the field than I did all week. But I have nothing, no injury, nothing important that would justify me not being ready.”
Published on Wednesday November 20, 2024 at 08:50
